10 Great Dates

compiled by Katy Berry

Martina McBride at Bob Hope Theater

August 8, Stockton

Fans of this country songstress can come out and enjoy her trademark ballads and snappy songs as she belts out hits that span her twenty-year career. If you want to feel like an insider, upgrade your ticket to the VIP package and enjoy the red carpet treatment. 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E Main St, Stockton, (209) 337-HOPE, bobhopetheatre.com

 

Run For Blood 5K Run/Walk

August 4, Stockton

Show your support for local blood banks without any of those pesky needles by lacing up your running shoes for this 5k. Serious and casual runners (or walkers) are invited, and kids are welcome. Awards will be given for the top male and female runners, and for each age and gender category. Proceeds from this Delta Blood Bank-sponsored run will benefit the Dameron Hospital Foundation. 8-10 a.m. Registration varies. Stockton Ballpark, 404 W Fremont St, Stockton, (209) 943-3830, runforblood.com

 

 

Stockton-Con

August 5, Stockton

Do you know what superhero team hails from Stockton? Can you explain the differences between Batgirl and Batwoman? If so, comics are clearly your thing, and you should probably pick up tickets to Stockton-Con, where you can see what local artists are working on and debate if Superman or the Hulk would win in a fight with fellow comic book and science fiction fans.10 a.m.-5 p.m. $6 for adults, children under 10 free. University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Ave, Stockton, stocktoncon.com

 

LIVE! at Lincoln Center Classic Car Show

August 17, Stockton

The third annual Lincoln Center Classic Car Show promises live music, great food and, of course, plenty of fi ne automobiles. High school students can compete in a hot rod design contest, with cash prizes awarded to the top designs. Shops in the Lincoln Center will have booths offering demonstrations and swag, and even Hello Kitty will make an appearance. 6-9 p.m. Free. Lincoln Center, Stockton, (209) 477-4868, lincolncentershops.com

 

Ukulele Strummers of Stockton Strum and Sing Along

August 8, Stockton

Ukulele players of all skill levels are invited to come learn and play contemporary pop and Hawaiian music at this Strum and Sing Along. Free lessons are available to anyone who would like to learn to play this cheerful-sounding instrument. 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Round Table Pizza, 10952 Trinity Parkway, Stockton, (209) 598-3682, ukulelestockton.com

Summer ArtSplash

August 10, Stockton

Soak in local artistic talent at the ArtSplash in downtown Stockton. Families can stop into the Mexican Heritage Center to try hands-on, take home activities like origami, hand-made Filipino star lanterns, or musical instruments. Student art exhibits, open mic poetry readings and receptions will be hosted at several venues. Maps of galleries and exhibits will be available at the Mexican Heritage Center, San Joaquin County Law Library, Tidewater Art Center and Gallery, and other participation locations. 5-7 p.m. Free. Multiple locations, Stockton, (209) 464-6868, visitstockton.org

Latino Festival

August 12, Stockton

Come experience Latin food and entertainment at this all day festival. Bring the family out to sample foods, watch traditional Latin dance, check out arts and crafts and participate in hands-on workshops. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Weber Point Events Center, 221 N Center St, Stockton, (510) 303-8332

Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw at Bob Hope Theater

August 15, Stockton

If you like folky pop, or can't get enough of sweet duets, you can't miss these two blue-eyed soul singers as their nationwide tour stops in Stockton. Fans of Caillat and DeGraw can expect to hear hits like “Chariots” and “Realize,” along with a mix of new material and old favorites. 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E Main St, Stockton, (209) 337- HOPE, bobhopetheatre.com

Taste of San Joaquin & the Way Out West BBQ Championship

August 18, Stockton

This annual BBQ championship and street fair brings the best in local cuisine to downtown Stockton. Visitors can taste award-winning BBQ from the fi nest west coast competitors for only $1, listen to live rock 'n roll, or try games and activities with the kids. $3 for adults, kids under 12 are free. Weber Point Events Center, 221 S. Center St, Stockton, (209) 464-5246, downtownstockton.org

Celebrate! Youth Block Party

August 31, Stockton

Karate instructors, dance studios, day cares and more will be out for this block party in downtown Stockton to show off the wide range of hobbies available to curious kids and parents. Local businesses will hand out information about the programs that you may not even know exist that aim to give students of all ages meaningful ways to spend their time. Live performances, demonstrations and, of course, food will be available to anyone who wants to come see what Stockton has to offer its youth. 2-6 p.m. Free. 400 Block of Main Street, Stockton, (209) 464-5246, downtownstockton.org